CHICAGO: An intriguing new theory has arisen that links the dusty world of antiquities with the glitz and glamour of pop-stardom. An ancient Egyptian bust is leading some to ask whether Michael Jackson was secretly trying to be “The Pharaoh of Pop.” The bust, on display at the Field Museum in Chicago, has been the focus of interest since the star’s death as visitors double-take at the eerie similarities between the 3,000-year-old statue and the singer.

The limestone statue – which depicts an unidentified woman – went on display at the museum in 1988 and was carved during the New Kingdom Period, dating from between 1550 BC to 1050 BC.

Like Jackson’s surgically-altered face, the carving has a distinct, upturned nose and rounded eyes.

And like Jackson – if rumors of the singer’s prosthesis are to be believed – the statue’s nose has partially disintegrated.

The museum’s curator Jim Phillips said staff had been “inundated” with inquiries from Jackson fans since the star’s similarities to the bust were pointed out in a recent newspaper article.

“We’ve had people coming to the museum and asking ‘Where’s Michael Jackson?” So we have to tell them that he’s not here, but there is a bust that looks a lot like him,” Phillips told AFP.

Phillips said while it is doubtful that Jackson’s physical startling image may have been inspired by the statue – the singer was not believed to have visited the museum – the resemblance between the two is undeniable.

“I have to admit it, there are a number of very striking similarities,” Phillips said.

“I don’t follow all the permutations of Michael Jackson’s physical appearance, but they do look a lot alike,” the museum curator added.

Jackson, 50, died of a cardiac arrest at his home in Los Angeles on June 25. – AFP